Kate Dezarnaulds (pronounced 'de-zar-know') is a dedicated community leader and successful entrepreneur who has strengthened Gilmore's communities through innovation and practical action. As President of the Berry Chamber of Commerce, she doubled membership post-COVID and led the village to win "Top Tourism Town" three consecutive years, while her own business earned Shoalhaven Small Business of the Year in 2024. Her deep connection to Gilmore as a local parent married to a builder gives her firsthand understanding of the pressures facing local families.

Through her roles on the National Trust and Shoalhaven Tourism Board, Kate has consistently championed regional development and community resilience. She designed and delivered the transformative $4.7 million 'Investing in Rural Community Futures' program, supporting over 120 grassroots organisations through bushfire recovery across Batemans Bay, Nowra, Bay and Basin, Ulladulla, and Kangaroo Valley.

Why I'm Running

I'm running because I cannot stand by and watch our broken political system continue to fail our community through division and denial. I've been here through the fires and floods, and I've seen the magic that happens when our community comes together. Gilmore deserves leadership that listens, acts with integrity, and seizes the opportunities of innovation and progress to build a better future—not leadership driven by party agendas.

We need practical solutions for housing affordability, healthcare access, and climate resilience, delivered by someone who understands our community's needs firsthand.